National Comics (Volume 1) with a cover date of December, 1946.
Synopsis for The Barker: "Sorceror Si, the Mountain Witch Doctor"
The circus heads out into hill county, where they expect a warm welcome from the local populace who have such little excitement going on in their lives that the circus will be a rare treat indeed. Unfortunately, Colonel Lane receives a telegram from a strange-sounding character warning them not to play that town. It's from a Sorcerer Si, a sort of local soothsayer, and the locals put a lot of stock in what he says. Such as if he says the circus will only be bad luck, which is why Colonel Lane's compelled to obey it. The Barker insists they play the town anyway, not intimidated by the words of an old witch doctor. Just before a boulder almost crushes the train engine.
After they get set up, Sorcerer Si himself, a ragged mountain man, comes up and again warns folks that the circus is nothing but trouble. He warns of a fiery death to anyone who attends the show, with flames seeming to spring up at his command. Strangely there's no sign of fire at all when roustabouts get there to put it out. Suspicious, the Barker follows Sorcerer Si, who seems to disappear. However, Lou Link, owner of a rival carnival, is seen nearby the grounds, making the Barker even more suspicious.
Sorcerer Si's then seen approaching the circus, but despite the Barker's gruff welcome, doesn't know what he's talking about when prophecies of doom are mentioned. The magic signs say this'll be a great year for a circus, and Sorcerer Si's personally been waiting all year for them to come to town. The troupe spot Lou Link and "Sorcerer Si"--an imposter hired to drive business to his operation--and knock them insensate. The Barker reveals this confirms his suspicions: he found a tiny ruby by the dislodged boulder before, which just happens to fit a setting on an empty ring worn by Lou Link.
Appearing in The Barker: "Sorceror Si, the Mountain Witch Doctor"
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Supporting Characters:
- Colonel Lane
- Lena
- Liz Flannery
- Major Midge
- Spuda the Spider-Man
- Tiny Tim
- Madame Shali, snake charmer
- Peaches, bearded lady
Antagonists:
- Lou Link
- Moss, fake Sorcerer Si
Other Characters:
- Sorcerer Si
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Synopsis for Steve Wood: "The Greeks Had a Word For It"
An assassin employed by "The Big Boy" is sent after a small-timer named Cemitos, who guns him down instead. Warned that every road's going to be watched for him, Cemitos tries to skip town in his boat instead. Unfortunately for him, someone's there lying in wait and blows Cemitos away. Inspector Flanagan and Steve Wood confront the Big Boy, but they have no evidence and have to leave empty-handed.
Steve visits Cemitos' girlfriend, Marya (who explains the reason he was killed is he refused to let the Big Boy use his boat in illicit operations), and on her word goes to find Punchy, the low-level mook who was with Cemitos when he killed the first guy. Meanwhile, Punchy's meeting with the Big Boy himself, and confesses he bumped off Cemitos, and tries to wring Big Boy for some compensation. The boss hands over the money as requested, wallet and all, along with a solid gold watch and a diamond ring. Then the gang boss announces he plans to shoot Punchy and tell the police he caught the crook robbing him. Fortunately Steve then shoots the gun out of his hand through the window, before the police burst in and arrest the gang. Steve earns a massive reward for capturing the Big Boy's mob, which he donates to Marya.
Appearing in Steve Wood: "The Greeks Had a Word For It"
Featured Characters:
- Steve Wood, Waterfront Detective
Supporting Characters:
- Sally, secretary
- Inspector Flanagan
Antagonists:
- Big Boy
- Punchy
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Synopsis for Sally O'Neil Policewoman: "Compliments of the Jackal"
Appearing in Sally O'Neil Policewoman: "Compliments of the Jackal"
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Synopsis for Granny Gumshoe: "Introducing Granny Gumshoe"
Appearing in Granny Gumshoe: "Introducing Granny Gumshoe"
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Synopsis for Lassie and Laddie: "Roberta's New Boyfriend"
Appearing in Lassie and Laddie: "Roberta's New Boyfriend"
Featured Characters:
- Lassie
- Laddie
Supporting Characters:
- Roberta
- Roger
Synopsis for Intellectual Amos: "The Two Mr. Coleses"
Appearing in Intellectual Amos: "The Two Mr. Coleses"
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Synopsis for Quicksilver: "Death to the Loser"
Appearing in Quicksilver: "Death to the Loser"
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Notes
- First issue for Granny Gumshoe by Gill Fox.
- The title of the Steve Wood story refers to "Atropos", the scissors that cut a person's life line.
- Also appearing in this issue of National Comics were:
- Salty Waters by Bernard Dibble
- "Tailor's Gold" (text story)
- Windy Breeze: "Fish Story" by Jack Cole
See Also